Sailing Away
Those Looking For Sailing Options On SML Can Find The Answers Blowing In The Wind
By Jerry Hale

                        Jeopardy™ fans know what to do when presented with an answer: fit it with the appropriate question! For Lakers who crave full sails and taught rigging, the question here is obvious: “What’s the best way to enjoy Smith Mountain Lake on a breezy afternoon?”
                SML offers an abundance of sailing opportunities, especially during early spring and late fall when the winds are brisk and there’s less powerboat traffic in the channels. And what’s one thing that sailors crave as much as wind in their sails? Chances to catch—and shoot – the breeze with other sailors!
                They find those by joining one of the Lake’s active sailing societies — the Blackwater Yacht Racing Association (www.byrasailing.org), headquartered at Pelican Point Marina, or the Virginia Inland Sailing Association (www.VISA.org) at Sailor’s Cove, just upriver of Bernard’s Landing.
                Besides being a hub for casual sailing, BYRA organizes races for sloop-rigged (mainsail plus jib) boats ranging from the popular 20-foot Alerion Express to speedy J-boats and roomy 30-footers. Official race weekends are held spring and fall — chances for skippers and crews to compete on a course set out by the Race Committee based on the day’s predicted wind speed and direction.
                “The course is set longer when the winds are brisk,” said avid racer Gil Miekina, “with a typical race lasting 1½ to 3 hours. There’s a lot more skill and concentration required than meets the eye. It can be exhausting.”
                Each class of boat is nationally assigned a handicap that gets added to a crew’s course completion time to determine its finishing position. That way, boats with different sail area and hull speed characteristics can compete on an equal basis.
                A typical spring race takes three fleets (each fleet is a group of 6-7 boats that is started separately to ease congestion as skippers jockey to cross a starting line exactly as the starter’s horn sounds) from Pelican Point around a buoy or channel marker deep in Bull Run Creek.
                “Our mid-season regatta weekend is also a much-anticipated event,” said BYRA Commodore Ellen Ramsey. “We race each day and have dinner together on Saturday night, helped immensely by regatta sponsor SunTrust. It’s both a sailing and social occasion — just a great time for everyone.”
                Roanoke River waters also beckon the Lake’s serious sailors. Virginia Inland Sailing Association (VISA) originated on Claytor Lake but moved to SML when Bernard’s made property for a clubhouse and waterfront available. Now it’s home port to a myriad of sailboats, from Sunfish to cruising yachts measuring more than 40 feet.
                “VISA has about 200 member families,” said Darrin Fining, who’s been at SML since 1970 and has served three terms as club Commodore. “Its purpose is to promote sailing fun and seamanship. Each year, we hold several races for local boats and sponsor invitational regattas. The Fall Regatta can boast up to 150 boats and attract skippers from as far as Michigan and Florida.” Events usually involve several classes of centerboard boats — Flying Scots, Hobie Cats, Lasers, Thistles, Sunfish — plus day sailors and cruisers. “Regattas are designed to be fun for everyone,” Darrin added.
                The club is especially proud of its sailing instruction and has graduates who’ve won national competitions. Children ages 9-12 learn the basics during a week-long camp offered each June. Older teens can take Advanced Junior Sailing to perfect more complex skills.
                “Sail camp was an experience like no other,” said Teresa Farrin from her college dorm. “I met friends I will never forget and made memories that are impossible to replace. Plus, I learned how to rig a boat and get around the Lake on the wind.”
                Whether your preference is for leisurely reaches on soft summer breezes – or vying for bragging rights and trophies in organized races – SML offers a sailor’s paradise. Both BYRA and VISA welcome new members, and you don’t even have to own a boat. Get out there, hoist a sail and enjoy!